CTMH Technique Blog Hop - Color Your World

It's time to "Color Your World" with this month's Technique Blog Hop. We know coloring is all the rage right now so we are using Close To My Heart products to focus on "color". Participants can interpret that how they like. I cannot wait to see what they have designed.

If you are coming from Tonya's Blog, you are on the right track. If you were to get lost a long the way, you can find a complete list of participants at the bottom of this post.

I love our Picture My Life Clear Watercolor Cards and decided to use this one, with a heart, on my card. My husband and I are celebrating 18 years of marriage on the 20th of this month so I decided to make it to suit that occasion.

Using our Watercolor Paints and a Paintbrush, I first wet the card and then applied the two different shades of paint. I dried it using our Craft Heater and then used a tissue, and a bit of water, to wipe away the color on the heart design. The heart design is embossed which created a resist image to allow for this technique. Cool, huh?

I used these cardstock colors: Gypsy, Thistle, Slate and Black. Some Silver Shimmer Trim was added as were a few black sparkles to finish it off.

Thank you so much for stopping by and now head on over to Darlys' Blog to see how she interpreted the color theme. 

Happy hoppin'!

Melissa

List of participants:

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*

2. Darlys Recker

3. Wendy Kessler

4. Cathy Bufano

5. Kirsten Jade

6. Catherine Nowak

7. Michelle Loncar

8. Helen Gullett

9. Danielle Wagner

10. Jenifer Benner

11. Tonya Whitehurst

Flash Sales Every Friday This Month!

Have you checked out the Flash Sale that is happening on my website right now? They commence each Friday at 3 pm MST and end on Monday. There are product bundles on sale for a discount and Close To My Heart is featuring artwork made with them on their blog.

Check out this fun artwork (above and below) that is just part of what was shared yesterday, using the Display Tray and Picture My Life Cards. What a fun, simple and yet, very meaningful artwork that can serve as decor for your home or as a special gift for someone.

These are one of the bundles available for purchase through Monday or while supplies last. Yeah...I'm definitely headed to purchase this bundle for sure and look forward to decorating the Display Tray. Be sure to check out what other products are available during this weekend. What grabs your attention? You can place an order on my website by heading here.

Enjoy your weekend and remember...Make It From Your Heart!

Heart 2 Heart Challenges - Congratulations

Welcome to this week's challenge for Heart 2 Heart where our theme is "Congratulations".  Feel free to interpret that anyway you want, make artwork using Close To My Heart products, and then link up on the Heart 2 Heart Blog.  I enjoy seeing everyone's artwork.

My niece graduated from elementary school last week - I cannot believe she is going to middle school next year (ACK!) - and I made her this fun card.  Isn't it adorable?!  I can say that because the "pun" was not my original idea.  My friends, Pam and Sherry, shared some artwork they created with the pants and I just had to copy them.  Of course, we have the perfect stamp set to compliment the theme.

This card was made using the Calypso paper line - that has the adorable flamingo pattern.  Thick Pixie Twine was used as were pink dots that were placed inside of Black Sequins from the Calypso line.  It was kept pretty simple but I love it!  I hope you do too.

The stamp set I used is called, "Smarty Pants".

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today!  Let me know what you think of this card and then consider linking up to us at Heart 2 Heart.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Make it from your heart,

CTMH Paper Blog Hop - Calypso

This month we are highlighting the FUN, Calypso paper pack.  It is a BIG HIT and I am sure you will recognize why as soon as you see it. I have been having fun with it since it was released last month.

If you are coming from Cathy's Blog, you are on the right track.  You will find a list of participants at the bottom of this post.

This rainbow pattern is one of the pocket cards included with the Calypso Workshop Your Way.  I backed it with Black cardstock and then cut a tag, from Art Philosophy, to serve as the focal point.  The Flamingo was cut and stamped using the Tickled Pink stamped set and Thin Cuts.  I used Pixie and Hollyhock inks, added a piece of Flamingo Washi Tape, and topped it off with a bow out of the Black & Gold Ribbon.  It was a simple card to put together.  Gotta love when that happens!

Thank you so much for stopping by.  Head on over to Aggie's Blog to see what she has in stop.  Feel free to leave a comment if you would like.

Happy hoppin'!

List of participants: 

1. Melissa Robinson *YOU ARE HERE*
2. Aggie Peters
3. Katy Taylor
4. Tonya Whitehurst
5. Cathy Bufano

Ingenious! Turn Your Chalkboard into a Work of Art!

Check out this quick and ingenious video where you can see how simple it can be to turn our Designed Decor Magnetic Chalkboard into something you can actually use in your home!  I have one and LOVE that it's magnetic, but I have totally shied away from writing on it.  However, I never thought of creating a stencil to use that will ensure everything lines up just as desired!  TOO AWESOME!  Take a few minutes to watch and then let me know what you think!

You can find the chalkboard and marker she references by clicking here.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  

Now...to alter the one I currently have AND then order another one!  WOOHOO!  What's awesome is that it matches my home decor.  If that's not the same for you...paint it so it does!  SO many options!  Gotta love that!

Enjoying a dryer day in Dallas!

June Stamp of the Month Blog Hop - The Long Way Home

Welcome to our hop where we are highlighting the June Stamp of the Month, The Long Way Home.  Look at all the cute images in this stamp set!  I have enjoyed the pleasure of making a couple of cards from it up to this point and look forward to incorporating it into other artwork.  It can be yours - this month only - for just $5 with a qualifying purchase.  You can view details about that by clicking here.

If you are coming from Melinda's Blog, you are on the right track.  You can find a complete list of participants on her blog.

I created this fun card incorporating the Magical paper pack and "Bunch of Love" stamp set (for the sentiment).  A few Blue Dots were added.

Thank you for stopping by.  Head on over to Wendy's Blog and see what she has created to share with you.

Happy hoppin'!

Flash Sale During June!

It is so hard for me to believe that June 1st is already here.  How about you?  To know we have already made it half way until 2016 is totally amazing to me!

During the month of June, Close to My Heart is having a FLASH SALE!  What does that mean for you?

During this month, Close To My Heart is offering great deals on bundles of discounted products every weekend.  Check my website each Friday during June to find a new set of bundles!  There will be a lot to choose from at the various discount levels and price points, but you will need to snatch them up quick because they are only available through the following Monday while supplies last!

You can find a flash sale countdown by clicking here.  I cannot wait to see what is released on Friday!  Let me know if you want a friendly reminder to check out the sale each week.

Enjoy a blessed June!

Happy Times Are Almost Gone! (and Memorial Day Special)

Okay...so not literally speaking.  :)  I pray you have many happy times to come but as for the National Scrapbooking Month campaign - the exclusive paper pack and stamp set - you only have today and tomorrow to get it in your hands!  Below, I have shared the fabulous layout and card creations you can make using these exclusive products - AND I have the FREE cutting diagrams and instructions for the layouts and cards.  If you purchase today or tomorrow, I will send them to you but before that, let me share something with you...

In honor of Memorial Day, I am donating 20% of all purchases made today and tomorrow to the Veteran's Hospital in my hometown where my Grandpa is housed.  He served in the Army many years ago and is now currently living there.  I am thankful for him being able to do so where he receives around-the-clock care and has companionship, although he is doing well at 91 years.

Here are layouts made with the Happy Times paper pack and some additional products.  They are super awesome!  (Supply list provided at the bottom of this post.)

Here are the cards made with the Happy Times paper pack and stamp set and other products.  You can switch out the sentiments to suit your occasion.  (Supply list provided at the bottom of the post.)

If you have any questions, please let me know. I am also organizing kits for either or both of these workshops but also need to know so before the end of the day tomorrow (May 31, 2016).

Wishing you have a blessed holiday today wherever you are!

Scrapbook Layouts Supply List:
CC1063Happy Times Paper Pack
3 Sheets Pomegranate CS
5 Sheets of White Daisy CS (4 for base pages)
CC1064- Happy Times stamp set
Inks: Pomegranate, Smoothie, Glacier, Canary, Fern
Z2012- Gold Sequins
Z3091- Pink Enamel Gems
Z3189- White & Gold Ribbon
Z3217- PML Watercolor Cards - Gold
Z3224- Waterbrush - Small Round
Z2060- Thin 3D Foam Tape
Glue Dots
Z1985- Gold Shimmer Trim-

Cards Supply List:
CC1063 Happy Times Paper Packet
CC1064 Happy Times Stamp Set
M1051 Make A Wish Stamp Set *
1 Sheet White Daisy Cardstock
X254 White Cards & Envelopes
Z3189 White & Gold Ribbon
Z3091 Pink Enamel Gems
Z2012 Sequins Gold Assortment
Z1768 Metallic Markers
Z2089 Micro Glue Dots
Z2060 Thin 3-D Foam Tape
Z2653 Pomegranate Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2650 Fern Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2643 Canary Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z2196 Smoothie Exclusive Inks Stamp Pad
Z1999 - 1” Circle Punch (Optional)
Z1851 Scallop Punch (Optional)

Heart 2 Heart Challenge - Fun Folds

Welcome to this week's Heart 2 Heart Challenge where our topic is "Fun Folds".

I used the beautiful Happy Times paper pack, only available through the end of this month, and the May Stamp of the Month, "Celebrate with Cake", for my creation.  I used Watercolor Paints to color in the cake and floral image and the Small Round Waterbrush to apply the paint.  I love this new product as it allows perfect control when coloring in these small images.  Pink Enamel Gems were added for a little accent.

This card opens up to reveal a gift card.

Create your artwork using Close To My Heart products, aligned with the theme, and link up to us at Heart 2 Heart. I look forward to seeing your creation.

(Here is where I found directions for this card.  It was super simple to create and I love its practical purpose as a gift card holder.)

Make It From Your Heart!

Stampers with An Attitude Blog Hop - Calypso or Beach

This month the Stampers with An Attitude Team is focusing on the new product line, Calypso, or a beach them for their artwork creations.  I chose to go with Calypso.  LOVE the colors and fun of the products in this line.

If you are coming from Jen's Blog, you are on the right track.  You can find a complete list of participants by clicking here.

This card was super easy to put together with three of the paper pieces coming from the pocket cards included with the Calypso Workshop Your Way.  Those pieces are the focal point with the flamingo, the rainbow-colored piece, and the scalloped circle.  Glacier and Cotton Candy cardstock were added as were some Black & Gold Ribbon and three zebra-striped sequins (that come with the Calypso WYW).  The Sequins pack for Calypso is adorable!

The circle image with the heart is from the Calypso Complements.  I layered it on a 1" white circle and then stamped the sentiment in Black Ink.  I appreciate how quickly this card came together.  Gotta love when that happens!

I appreciate you stopping by.  Head on over to Angie's Blog to view her artwork.  

Happy hoppin'!